Even before the empty True Value Hardware building was demolished, developers had their eye on the Grand Avenue location in Elmwood Park.
The village demolished the building at a cost of $175,000, but they’re taking their time deciding they’ll put on the site.
Elmwood Park send out a formal request to developers in December asking for ideas for the site, which sits at the northeast corner of 76th and Grand avenues.
They got back three proposals, according to Elmwood Park Village Board member Angelo Lollino, who is also liason to the village’s Economic Development Commission.
Lollino said one developer wanted to put a Culver’s restaurant in the location, another wanted to build steakhouse and 30 luxury apartments, and a third developer proposed a mixed-use building with apartments and commercial space.
Although Lollino said all three were solid proposals, the committee has decided to look for more proposals.
“We’re going to put out a nice sign saying ‘this opportunity exists,'” he said. “We want to make sure if there are other opportunities that exist out there, and if so, we’d like to take a look at it.”
He said the three initial developers are still in the running, but the committee would like to explore its options and receive more proposals. He believes the right business at the location could bring more economic development into Conti Parkway.
“The best opportunity is going to develop that whole area and be a destination for businesses like a downtown Oak Park and a downtown Forest Park,” he said. “It’s an attractive site.”
Lollino said he and the committee want to be certain.
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“We don’t want to leave anything on the table,” he said. “We want to make sure we give the community the right [business] opportunity.”